Recent media speculation about the condition of Melbourne's rail network has prompted us to issue a statement to reassure the travelling public of the safety of the network.
As part of the bid process in April last year, Metro submitted an Asset Maintenance Plan which outlined the areas that we felt were priorities for maintenance and upgrades. The documents list Metro's view of the then-current state of the network, based on the information available at the time of the bid.
The documents clearly state our position that the existing track condition is in general fit for purpose.
An excerpt of the plan indicated that "the existing track condition is in general fit for purpose to meet safety requirements for the annual tonnage of traffic carried, although it needs enhancement to meet operational performance requirements and the predicted increase in traffic demand".
The ‘enhancement' that we refer to is well underway, with $40 million being spent up until June this year on rail strengthening, overhead renewals, concrete sleeper replacement and signal upgrades.
Since commencing the franchise on 30 November, we moved quickly to do a full track assessment, prioritising track stabilising works in preparation for the expected hot summer.
We've already seen the benefit of rail strengthening works undertaken to date, with just one instance of minor track buckling over the summer period.
Passenger safety and maintaining a safe rail network is Metro's priority, which is why we are pleased to have secured a significant increase in works funding from the Government, with $40 million currently being spent on year one (30 November 2009 through to 30 June 2010) renewal works, and $60 million to be spent on year two (1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011) renewal works.
Works are current and ongoing, with rail strengthening improvements already completed at more than 400 locations across the network since taking over operation of the network.
Other current and ongoing works happening across the network include:
Melbourne's rail network has an excellent safety record, and with the maintenance and upgrades underway, the safety and reliability of our train services will further improve.
Track upgrades and improvements will continue throughout the life of the franchise.